Amish Applesauce Cake

Imagine the enticing aroma of an Amish Applesauce Cake wafting through your kitchen.

This cake, with its warm spices and natural sweetness, is a tribute to simple, traditional baking.

You’ll find that the interplay of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves with applesauce creates a comfortingly moist texture.

As you explore the option of adding raisins and walnuts, you’ll discover how these ingredients transform each slice into a delightful embrace of rustic flavors.

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 Mixing bowl
• 1 Whisk
• 1 9×9 inch baking pan
• 1 Oven
• 1 Spatula
• 1 Cooling rack

Ingredients

• 1 cup Unsweetened applesauce
• 1/2 cup Granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup Brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup Vegetable oil
• 2 Large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups All-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon Baking soda
• 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon Ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 cup Raisins (optional)
• 1/2 cup Chopped walnuts (optional)

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking the Amish Applesauce Cake, follow this timeline:

1. Preparation Time (15 minutes):
   • Read the Recipe: Spend 5 minutes reading through the entire recipe to familiarize yourself with the steps and ingredients.
   • Gather Ingredients and Equipment: Spend 5 minutes gathering all the necessary ingredients and equipment listed in the recipe.
   • Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Grease the Baking Pan: Spend 2 minutes greasing the 9×9 inch baking pan.
   • Mix Wet Ingredients: Spend 3 minutes whisking together the applesauce, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil in a mixing bowl.
2. Mixing and Baking Time (45 minutes):
   • Add Eggs and Combine: Spend 2 minutes adding the eggs to the wet mixture and whisking until fully incorporated.
   • Sift and Combine Dry Ingredients: Spend 5 minutes sifting together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt in another bowl.
   • Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Spend 5 minutes gradually adding the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in raisins and walnuts if desired.
   • Pour Batter and Bake: Spend 3 minutes pouring the batter into the prepared baking pan and spreading it evenly. Place the pan in the preheated oven.
   • Bake: Allow the cake to bake for 45 minutes. Use this time to clean up any preparation mess, wash dishes, or prepare for serving.
3. Resting Time (10 minutes):
   • Cool the Cake: Once the cake is done baking, let it cool in the pan on a cooling rack for 10 minutes before serving.

Recipe Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan and set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together applesauce, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until well combined.
4. Add eggs to the mixture and whisk until fully incorporated.
5. In another bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
7. Fold in raisins and walnuts if using.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
9. Bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Let the cake cool in the pan on a cooling rack for 10 minutes before serving.

Serving Tips

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream complements the warm spices of the cake beautifully.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light and airy contrast to the dense cake.
• Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle some caramel sauce over the top for an extra layer of sweetness.
• Fresh Fruit: Serve with a side of fresh fruit like sliced apples or berries for a rejuvenating balance.
• Powdered Sugar Dusting: A light dusting of powdered sugar can enhance the cake’s appearance and add a touch of sweetness.

Storage

To store Amish Applesauce Cake, wrap it in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container.

Keep at room temperature for up to three days.

Alternatively, refrigerate for a week.

Freezing

To freeze Amish Applesauce Cake, cool completely.

Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil.

Label with date.

Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Thaw before serving.

Reheating

To reheat Amish Applesauce Cake, use an oven set to 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes.

Alternatively, microwave individual slices for 20-30 seconds.

This helps maintain moisture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Amish Applesauce Cake is a delightful dessert that combines warm spices with the natural sweetness of applesauce.

It’s an easy-to-make recipe that offers a moist and flavorful cake, perfect for any occasion.

The optional addition of raisins and walnuts can enhance the texture and taste, making it a versatile treat.

For best results, follow the preparation and baking instructions carefully, ensuring all ingredients are at room temperature.

Enjoy this classic Amish dessert with family and friends, savoring every bite of its comforting flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Substitute Applesauce With Another Ingredient?

You can substitute applesauce with mashed bananas or pumpkin puree. These alternatives maintain moisture and add a unique flavor to the cake. Just guarantee the consistency matches, as it affects the cake’s texture and overall balance.

How Can I Make the Cake Gluten-Free?

To make it gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Guarantee it includes xanthan gum for structure. This technique maintains the cake’s traditional Amish texture while letting you enjoy a gluten-free dessert.

What Variations Can Be Made for Dietary Restrictions?

You can adapt this recipe for dietary needs by using almond flour for gluten-free, coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index, or flaxseed meal as an egg substitute. These swaps maintain flavor while aligning with your dietary preferences.

Can This Cake Be Made Vegan?

You can easily transform this cake to be vegan. Swap the eggs for flaxseed or chia egg substitutes, and use a plant-based oil. Embrace Amish tradition while respecting vegan culture, creating a delightful, ethical dessert.

What Are Some Common Mistakes to Avoid?

When making this dessert, don’t overmix the batter; it’ll become dense. Guarantee ingredients are room temperature for best texture. Be cautious with spices, as they can overpower. Finally, avoid using sweetened applesauce to maintain balance.